Once a Roman colony, the city of Zaragoza (Sarragosa, to the English) has an almost mythical history attached to it. This was one of the first cities in Spain to be converted to Christianity, and was occupied, in later times, by rulers as varied as the Visigoths, the Franks and the Moors. The city acquired considerable importance as the capital of Aragon, and, during the Peninsular War, was the scene of very valiant resistance.

Zaragoza, which stands on the bank of the Río Ebro, lies in the autonomous community of Aragon, in north-eastern Spain. A busy economic and commercial centre, it is equally known for the wealth of old monuments that dot the city.  Many of these are of ecclesiastical origin, and include some of Aragon’s most historic churches, such as the Catedral de La Seo, a Gothic church erected on the site of the first mosque in Spain, the church of San Pablo and the church of Santa Engracia. Most famous of all, though, is the Catedral Nuestra Señora del Pilar. Dedicated to the Virgin of the Pillar (a legendary appearance, in AD 40, of the Virgin Mary standing atop a pillar), the cathedral is a 17^th century Gothic structure with some fine frescoes by Francesco Goya.

Other impressive buildings in Zaragoza include the 16^th century Palace of the Counts of Luna, the Aljafería Palace which is definitely one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Spain, the Exchange (La Lonja), and the Palace of the Condes de Sástago y Argillo.  

Zaragoza is a major railway junction, with daily trains from other large cities in Spain, as well as smaller towns. In addition to this, the city has an airport of its own, served mainly by Iberia Airlines, and is well linked by road to the rest of the country.

For detailed country and visitor information, see Spain.